Candy in Chinese Everyday Chinese for Family
The candy season is here! It is the color, the sweetness, and fun that make kids want one more piece after another one. Here we are going to talk about common candy that kids and parents often enjoy. And, we also have expressions that you can use to let your child know your limit and she needs to brush her teeth.
In the States, Halloween is the time for all kinds of candy. Kids love trick-or-treating. and see the piles of candy at the end of the trip.
In Chinese culture, tons of candy and sweet snacks show up during the Lunar New Year celebration period. The sweetness of candy signifies a sweet new year and a sweet beginning, therefore, candy is offered everywhere to kids and adults.
But, there is another occasion that candy is offered. That is at the Chinese wedding banquet. Candy is a must-have at each table for the guests. Children love it. They might run from one table to another to collect all kinds of candy.
The tradition behind this practice is to wish the bride and the groom have a sweet marriage. And, all the guests who enjoy their sweet candy will have sweetness in their life as well. There is a Chinese saying for that and the literal translation is “sweet sweet honey honey” and in Chinese, it is tián tián mì mì 甜甜蜜蜜.” It is definitely the ultimate maximum sweetness a couple can have.
Do you know any other culture has a similar tradition?
Now let’s look at all the major candy you and your child can enjoy and the reminders you can use.
Candy in Chinese:
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candy táng guǒ 糖果。
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sugar, candy táng 糖。 This is sugar in general. Sugar that you bake and cook with is táng 糖. However, it is also used to indicate candy.
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chocolate qiǎo kè lì 巧克力。
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chocolate qiǎo kè lì táng 巧克力糖。
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lollipop bàng bàng táng 棒棒糖。
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soft candy (general) ruǎn táng 軟糖 |软糖。
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bubble gum pào pao táng 泡泡糖。
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chocolate bar qiǎo kè lì bàng 巧克力棒。
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jelly beans táng dòu 糖豆。 It literally means “sugar bean.”
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gummy bear xiǎo xióng ruǎn táng 小熊軟糖 | 小熊软糖。 This is a cute one. It literally means “little bear soft candy.”
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milk candy niú rǔ táng 牛乳糖 | niú nǎi táng 牛奶糖。 There is a regional difference. The first one is used in China more, and the second one is used in Taiwan. They are both correct and interchangeable.
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candy corn táng yùmǐ 糖玉米 ＊ yùmǐ táng 玉米糖 。You will hear both. However, the first one is “candy corn” and the second one is “corn candy.”
Reminders relate to candy in Chinese:
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last one zuì hòu yī gè 最後一個 | 最后一个。
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All gone! No more! méi yǒu le 沒有了。
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Time to brush teeth. shuā yá le 刷牙了。
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brush (your) teeth thoroughly hǎo hǎo shuā yá 好好刷牙。
Happy candy season! What is your favorite candy? What reminder expression you can use right away? Ready, set, and use it with your child! Have fun!
Also, in Everyday Chinese for Family…
Let’s Learn Mandarin with Miss Panda guided program is for parents whose native language is not Mandarin and who want to introduce Mandarin to their young children (ages 8 and under) in a playful, engaging, and interactive way. An introduction session is scheduled for November 2 and you can join in by invitation. Sign up here to receive your invitation!
Halloween in Chinese
Family members in Chinese
Time to say goodnight in Chinese
Image by Pete Wright
Candy in Chinese Everyday Chinese for Family